This high resolution TEM test specimen is an arrangement of finely-dispersed thin gold particles on carbon film. As with gold foil, image quality, magnification, and instrument stability are readily assessed; however, for the determination of resolution capabilities this gold particle specimen is superior since it offers a choice of crystalline orientation on static or low tilt stages. In addition, the thickness of the crystalline material is easily calculated from the projected shape of the gold crystal. The background noise arising from structure in the support film helps with determinations of the operating transfer function.